In the highly complex and diverse environment of today, where digital media and data are progressively at the heart of all activities, it is crucial to recognize cybersecurity. 

Cybersecurity, also known as information technology security, ICT security, and information security, is a group of technologies, competencies, and guidelines that allow a company to build a wall of protection around the digital data it controls.

The Cybersecurity barrier protects the entire business ecosystem due to the technological digitization of systems and activities pertaining to the provision of services and production of goods in the maritime industry.

What is the Importance of Cybersecurity for the Maritime Sector?

As the great bulk of global trade is conducted by sea, maritime transit is crucial to the world economy. Significant financial loss could arise from a delivery delay, especially for businesses farther up the supply chain. Because of this high level of dependence, cybercriminals find the maritime shipping industry to be an appealing target.

The marine industry is in fact dealing with a growing number of new difficulties and regulatory norms as it goes through a digital transition. They are additionally being utilized to speed up the sector’s attempts to have zero emissions by 2050.

The attacks on COSCO’s operations on July 24, 2017, in the American port of Long Beach, were significant. The company’s network abruptly went down, virtually stopping all electronic communications in the US. The amount of cyberattacks targeted towards the ocean has significantly grown since 2017.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important for Ports?

The bulk of port operators has steadily incorporated cyber technology into port operations to increase their profitability. However, this digitization has created a significant vulnerability to the evolving cyber threat. In either event, to maintain efficient and profitable operations, the port sector must manage the risks connected with digitization’s rapid growth, keeping in mind that any interruption will harm the industry’s stakeholders.

Ports continuously rely on technology to maintain their competitiveness, follow particular rules and policies, and optimize operations. Both in the fields of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), this raises the stakes and complexity of cybersecurity.

Ports are currently faced with a variety of cybersecurity issues as a result of the rapid growth of digitalization, some of which are really basic and apply to any IT or OT environment, while others are largely specific to port environments. Given the difficulties and negative effects of a cyberattack, ports must create security methods to better secure themselves.

Why Is Ship Cybersecurity Important?

The maritime sector is stepping up its attempts to automate and digitalize. As more processes are mechanized, ships get bigger as workforces get smaller. Several onboard systems now receive updates while the teams are at sea, and they have an Internet connection. 

Systems like AIS, ECDIS, VDR, and EPIRB, as well as other specialized information systems used by ships at sea, require high levels of cybersecurity. Because of their extreme susceptibility to cyber threats, ships must be prepared with improved security measures. Infrastructure at ports needs to be properly managed. Therefore, it is crucial to secure buildings that need extra security.

Techniques for Reducing Cybersecurity Risks

Cyber risk varies depending on the company, ship, operation, and industry. Businesses should take into account any distinctive aspects of their operations that can make them more susceptible to cyber-attacks when considering risk. Remember that most of these data breaches are caused by human error, and thorough staff training is always an effective deterrent to cyberattacks.

As many people who work in port areas perform dangerous tasks and as ports must also manage a fairly sizable and steady traffic flow, ports have serious security and safety considerations (ferries, large cruise vessels.).

Port infrastructure may hold sensitive data, such as crew or passenger details, important business information (such as container location and content), or national security information (because ports are important assets for a country), hence their loss could be disastrous.

A company should implement the following actions to reduce cyber risks:

  • Users, important employees, and competent management on land and aboard vessels should all have their roles and duties clearly defined.
  • Identify the resources, systems, and information that, if misused, could endanger the security and operation of the ship.
  • Use operational and technical measures to protect your company from a cyber incident and to ensure business continuity.
  • By putting strategies in place, you can anticipate cyber problems and respond to them.

What Is the Future of Cybersecurity in the Shipping Sector?

Rapid technological breakthroughs have improved several industries, including the transportation sector, and benefited our planet in innumerable ways.

Improved access and connectivity of integrated OT and IT systems have become essential to guaranteeing the ongoing management and operation of ships as well as the safety and security of the crew, cargo, and the ship itself.

While digitization and easy access to the internet on a ship have produced certain benefits, they have also, as previously mentioned, increased the possibility of cybersecurity risks and attacks.

Shipping firms can take action to safeguard their resources and operational resilience against cyber threats by following the various guidelines set forth by the US Coast Guard, the International Maritime Organization, and BIMCO.

Looking for a solution to your security problem? IEC Telecom is a global provider of satellite communications services and solutions. Its mission is to be the leading provider of maritime cyber security, with an emphasis on cyber threat prevention and mitigation.

They work to protect your critical infrastructures, including satellite communications networks, by providing you with a comprehensive suite of products and services that include Maritime Cyber Security Solutions and Network Security Monitoring Services

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *